MLB.com beat writer Brian McTaggart blogs about all things Astros.

Schafer apologizes for off-season arrest

Astros center fielder Jordan Schafer, who was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop following last season, apologized publicly for the first time Monday shortly after arriving at camp.

Schafer, traded to the Astros from the Braves last July, is currently in a court-mandated pretrial intervention program in Florida that will clear his record if he successfully completes it.

“It was a bad situation,” Schafer said. “First of all, I want to apologize to the Astros and say I’m sorry for the inconvenience they went through and I’m sorry to the fans. I got caught up in a bad situation and hopefully I’ve learned from my mistake and moved on and become a better person for it, and hopefully we don’t have any more instances like that. Hopefully I can be a good role model and learn from this.”

Schafer said he’s thankful of how supportive Astros management has been during his ordeal.

“They’ve stood behind me, which I really appreciate,” he said. “I put them in a bad spot and I’m going through everything as far as the process they want me to do. I’m in a program and taking tests and stuff and doing whatever they ask me to do. I’m extremely appreciative of the Astros for standing behind me, and the fans and my family for being there.”

Schafer reported to camp at 204 pounds after putting on about 15-20 pounds this winter working with Orlando-based trainer Tom Shaw.

“I’m ready to get in here and get going and put everything that’s happened behind me,” he said.

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